This seafood pasta is a quick and tasty dish with shrimp and mussels, tossed in a lovely garlic and herb sauce. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in!
Honestly, nothing beats the smell of garlic and herbs filling the kitchen. I swear, it always makes my family come running for dinner! 🍝
Plus, it’s super easy to make. Just cook the pasta, sauté the seafood, and mix them together—so simple, you’ll have time to relax! Enjoy with a sprinkle of parmesan, of course!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using spaghetti or linguine, but you can swap them for any favorite pasta shapes, such as fettuccine or even gluten-free varieties if needed.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is amazing, but frozen shrimp works just as well! Just thaw them before cooking. If you’re allergic or want a different flavor, you could use chicken or omit entirely for a vegetarian version.
Mussels: If you can’t find mussels, try using clams or scallops instead. For a seafood-less option, you might want to add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
White Wine: If you don’t cook with wine, you can use seafood or chicken broth instead. For a non-alcoholic option, just stick with broth but add a splash of lemon juice for zest!
How Do I Ensure My Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Garlic adds a lovely flavor but can easily turn bitter if burned. To avoid this, sauté it on medium heat and keep an eye on it. Stir constantly for a golden hue, cooking only until fragrant, typically 1-2 minutes.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Mussels?
Mussels should be cooked just until they open up to ensure they stay tender. Here’s a quick way to do it:
- Add them to the skillet with the wine and cover. This helps them steam quickly.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes; you’ll know they’re ready when they open. Discard any that remain closed after cooking!
These tips should help you whip up this seafood pasta with ease and enjoy every bite!
Easy Seafood Pasta with Garlic and Herbs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 lb (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb (225 g) mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine (or seafood/chicken broth)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful seafood pasta comes together in about 25-30 minutes. With only 10 minutes of prep and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water—it’s handy for later!
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat) and sautĂ© for 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn—you’re aiming for fragrant, not charred!
3. Cooking the Seafood:
Now, toss the shrimp into the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Next, add the mussels and pour in the white wine (or broth). Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for 4-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mussels open up. Remember to discard any mussels that don’t open!
4. Mixing in the Goodness:
Once your seafood is looking perfect, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, basil, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it all cook together for another 2 minutes to warm the tomatoes through.
5. Bringing It All Together:
Now it’s time to add your cooked pasta to the skillet! Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the dish seems a bit dry, slowly add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Serving Up:
Serve your delicious seafood pasta right away! Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy every delightful bite!
And there you have it! A scrumptious seafood pasta bursting with flavor that’s perfect for any night of the week. Buon Appetito!
FAQ for Easy Seafood Pasta with Garlic and Herbs
Can I Use Frozen Seafood for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp and mussels work just fine. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw seafood overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute white wine with seafood or chicken broth. For a little acidity, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to the broth for a similar flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
What Kind of Pasta Can I Use?
You can use any kind of pasta you like! Spaghetti and linguine are great options, but feel free to swap in fettuccine, penne, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as desired.
